Aims are the purposes for which an organisation is established,
(Note: the Charity Commission uses the term objects instead of aims to refer to the group's general and long-lasting goals). 

Aims / Objects are usually stated at the beginning of an organisation's governing document,
(see governing documents).

The aims / objects may also define:

the people the organisation will provide services or activities for:

• beneficiaries
• members

the geographical area covered by the organisation, (the area of benefit or beneficial area).

Aims are general and long lasting goals for the group; they remain constant.

If you are intending to apply for charitable status, please make sure your aims/ objects meet the requirements of the Charity Commission, this will save you from having to re-word them later on.  

Be positive, but be realistic.

It is a good idea to agree clear achievable aims and to record them right from the start. 
This can help to avoid misunderstanding later on.

Charitable purposes used to be grouped under four broad headings (Preamble):

• the relief of poverty
• the advancement of education
• the advancement of religion
• other purposes beneficial to the community.

Since changes within Charity Law in November 2006  charitable purposes have been extended and developed, by decisions of the courts and of the Charity Commissioners, so that the development of the law has reflected changes in social and economic circumstances, (see new charity laws.)

Under new charity law this can fall into 13 categories

• the prevention of or relief of poverty;
• the advancement of education;
• the advancement of religion;
• the advancement of health;
• the advancement of citizenship or community development;
• the advancement of the arts, heritage or science;
• the advancement of amateur sport;
• the advancement of human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation;
• the advancement of environmental protection or improvement;
• the relief of those in need, by reason of youth, age, ill-health, disability,financial
• hardship or other disadvantage;
• the advancement of animal welfare;
• any other purposes within sub-section (4) of the Charities Act 2006.

Examples of charitable objectives

1. To help tackle deprivation by providing information and support to the deprived community within Luton & surrounding areas, especially, but not exclusively, through activities and workshops to enhance their skills, improve their self-esteem, and have bearing on their overall lifestyle.
2. To enhance the skills and education of individuals and enhance social inclusion by providing various sports, leisure and recreational activities in Luton and surrounding areas.
3. To promote community cohesion between the different cultural groups in Luton and surrounding areas by providing information and education around various issues related to culture.